Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    BIOL&

 Course #:    221

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    n/a

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018

 Course Description  

Mendelian genetics, evolution, biodiversity of life forms, and ecology. First course of three-quarter series. For students intending to major in the sciences. Lab included.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Completed ENGL& 101 with a grade of 2.0 or higher and CHEM& 161 with a 2.0 or higher (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Use the principles of Mendelian genetics
2. Understand how evolution works, including natural selection concepts
3. Understand the biodiversity of life forms, and how life is categorized
4. Describe population regulation concepts
5. Understand behavioral ecology and symbiotic relationships
6. Understand the history of life on earth
7. Apply the principles of the scientific method to critical thinking

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.9 Apply and/or create problem-solving strategies to successfully adapt to unpredictable and/or changing environments.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.

Course Contents

1. Scientific method
2. Evidence for evolution
3. Mendelian genetics
4. Mitosis and Meiosis
5. Natural selection mechanisms
6. Speciation
7. Phylogenies; tree of life
8. Biodiversity of Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya
9. Behavioral ecology
10. Population growth